Preston water sports vision wins approval

Phoenix Park will also feature a dry ski slope and mountain bike track, bordered by 13 lodges to house young adults in their transition back into the community from care.

Preston City Council approved charity Pioneer TEC’s vision at its planning committee meeting yesterday. The decision was made in line with officer recommendations.

Architect MCK designed the scheme, which will deliver the leisure attraction on a 10-acre plot, which makes up part of the wider 26-acre Trax Motor Centre site off Wallend Road.

A 12-metre high dry sky slope will be installed, featuring an operating ski lift and a mountain-biking track at the side.

The 12-metre ski slope will be accompanied by a mountain-biking track. Credit: MCK

To its left, a cable system and water-skiing dock will be delivered on a seven-acre lake. Proposals also suggest that the water could be used for windsurfing and kayaking.

The proposed lodges will surround the lake. Each home will provide up to three bedrooms for young people aged 11-18 in their transition from the care system.

The proposals, submitted in March,  form phase two of the company’s five-phase masterplan for the wider 26-acre site, which envisions the creation of a climbing wall, high ropes course, wave pool, skate park, and a football pitch.

The Pioneer Building, a four-storey residential and educational building, forms phase one and was completed in 2021.

De Pol Associates is the planning consultant for the scheme. The project team also includes Reford Consulting Engineers, FPCR Environment and Design, Trevor Bridge Associates, and AZH Consultancy.

To learn more about the plans, search for application number 06/2023/0245 on Preston City Council’s planning portal.